By NSUKKA – Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has, once again, drawn national attention with his direct intervention in the education sector.
On Thursday, Obi donated N15 million to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Dental Students Association to support their ongoing re-accreditation efforts and help upgrade critical infrastructure.
Peter Obi with the students
The donation follows an appeal from the students requesting about ₦40 million to upgrade their laboratory and increase the department’s graduation and induction quota—key requirements in their re-accreditation process.
Speaking after the visit, Obi highlighted the urgency of supporting young Nigerians, especially in the health and education sectors, describing the situation as one of “leadership failure.”
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“We cannot, in good conscience, continue to allow our young people to suffer due to leadership failure,” Obi said.
“As part of my unwavering commitment to advancing education and healthcare in our dear nation, I made a modest donation of N15 million to assist the dental students in their academic journey.”
Obi noted that he had delayed his public statement out of respect for the national mourning period following the death of a former Nigerian President.
Peter Obi with the students
However, he said the situation demanded immediate action once the mourning period concluded.
Criticising what he called a “tragedy of misplaced priorities,” Obi condemned the culture of excessive government spending on luxury and non-essential projects, while essential sectors like health and education are left to crumble.
“I continue to question the kind of country we are building,” he said. “Our leaders and public servants spend millions on luxury cars and ignore critical areas of development, health, education, and pulling people out of poverty.”
“When we fail to prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation—but invest billions in conference centres and bus parks—we betray our youth and undermine the future of our dear nation.”
Obi, known for his advocacy of responsible governance and investment in human capital, reaffirmed his vision for a better Nigeria.
“We must invest in the future of the Nigerian youth,” he added. “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
The UNN Dental Students Association, in their letter to Obi earlier in the week, had expressed concern over the declining state of their facilities and the risk of losing accreditation.
The former Anambra governor’s swift response has been widely lauded across social media and academic circles.
Obi’s gesture comes amid growing debate over budget priorities at both federal and state levels, especially concerning funding for education and public health in Nigeria.
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